RUMOR: A Series Set In The ‘Alien’ Universe Being Considered?

Only recently I suggested that the subjugation of the Hadley's Hope colony on LV-426 would be a good one-off serial, which could start with Russ Jorden being rushed into the med-bay and culminate as the Drop-Ship from the USS Sulaco circles the colony.

I suggested Hadley's Hope as most, if not all of the series would be filmed on sets, which would keep production costs low. Also, being a one-off series of between 10-16 episodes would allow Fox to test the waters with the format. Therefore if the series was a hit they could look into another muti-season narrative set somewhere else in the Alien universe's timeline.

@Gavin

You forgot about River of Pain book. "Official" story about Hadley's Hope. See the same plot on TV - boring.

I think - it maybe similar story on another planet.

@ Leto,

Nah, I wouldn't adapt River of Pain, a better story could be told during that period, which could be used to explain and/or answer many questions, while posing new ones, such as ...

The origins of the queen, the possibility of different eggs in the derelict Juggernaut than in the egg silo, revealing the Space Jockey to not be an Engineer (or David - shudder), showing Weyland-Yutani knew full well what happened to the colony before sending the USS Sulaco, and why in 20 years the colonists never discovered the Juggernaut.

This could be explored in either a serial or a video game (Alien Isolation 2?) format, or if it was super-condensed into a two or three part mini-series, much like 1990's IT.

They need to find the right crew and a good script. I liked AMC's The Terror, it was pretty intense without much of a story.

Obviously they do not have a story yet, that's why they are fishing for ideas with Tongal competition.

Maybe that's the compromise Disney and Fox agreed upon, a tv series first, it is cheaper and it may revive the audience interest in the alien universe.

No matter how much I wanted to see Ridley Scott's sequel to Covenant it is getting clearer each day that it will never happen. A big thanks to the Blomkamp's fans.

Well the FRANCHISE always had a lot going for it, than just Xenomorphs and Ripley... the Question is from a Financial Point of view would they feel there is Money to make from something that is not connected to any Event in Alien/Aliens and thus Xenomorphs and possibly Ripley?

While the River of Pain Novel may have covered some Events... it does not have to be 100% Canon, as they could Ret-Con anything that is not shown away from MOVIES and so a TV Series Adaption of Events would take more Canon than any other source apart from Official Novels of the Movies.

There are MANY Mysteries/Questions to Explore in the Franchise, that could be explored via a Movie Short or TV Mini Series...  These include.

Special Order 937: the company knew something, and i feel Alien Covenant had in part set up what could lead to Special Order 937 with the Advent Video Message and events that would lead from this to ALIEN  We have to Remember as of Alien Covenant and likely its sequel Plans the Derelict is NOT the only Source of the Xenomorph or Related Organisms/Pathogen which leads me TOO....

Other Sources of Xenomorph/Pathogen: the company will gain some information from Davids Advent Message, so they WILL know his Experiments are connected to LV-223, and that maybe some of his Experiments will be on Planet 4 and that they could obtain them from intercepting the Covenant or Arriving at Origae-6 ...YET the Franchise shows the company only going after the Xenomorph via the Derelict and so we have to ask WHY the company Abandoned (or did they) the pursuit of the Xenomorph after 2122 until Ripley informed them about the Xenomorph in 2179.  What became of Planet 4, LV-223, Origae-6 after the events of Alien Covenant/Alien.

Hadleys Hope: How much did the company know about the Derelict prior to Hadleys Hope being set up, and how long was the Hadleys Hope Colony there before the Discovery of the Derelict...  But i guess mainly it would be covering WHEN the Jordans had discovered the Derelict and the events that lead from this until the LOSS of Contact.. and only leaving Newt as the Survivor.  What did the Company Know... did they think the Derelict was lost after the Events of ALIEN and so what kind of Conspiracy is going on behind the scenes.

What Options were there After Ripleys Sacrifice on Fiorina 161: was this the END of their pursuit, why did it take 200 Years for some Humans to discover that they could obtain the Xenomorph via Cloning Ripleys DNA?

What becomes of the Xenomorph after the Destruction of the USM Auriga: So this could be explored... was the only sample of Xeno DNA and Ripleys on the Auriga?  after the destruction of the Auriga  are all traces of Xenomorph DNA and Experiments Destroyed, and is there NO way to obtain it from Ripley 8.

These kinds of Questions would set up a more ALIENY kind of Movie/TV Show.

But then there was always other things in the Franchise beyond Ripley and Xenomorphs even as far back as the Original Franchise.

*The Weyland-Yutani Company: its History, the conflict/competition between Weyland and Yutani and what Scientific Break through they have been making, and what potential Espionage Each would conduct on each other to TRY and gain the Upper-hand and Monopoly.  They are involved in more than Synthetics.

*The Colonial Marines: would following some of these guys be a interesting thing?  Why was the LV-426 Mission just another Bug Hunt, and there has to be a reason for having a Space Marine Contingent.  So there could be many other conflicts/encounters they undertake that is more than Xenomorph/Bug Hunting.

*The Advent of AI: the prequels showed us how creating AI with/gains Free-will can lead to Problems... but this is something evident in the Original Franchise, in particular Alien: Resurrection where we discover Conflicts have arose from Synthetics getting out of Control and Sub-Creating their own Autons who are in conflict with their Synthetic Creators.  So the Out-of-Control AI aspect does play a Large Role in the Franchise.

THEN.... came Prometheus..

The Plot for this Movie EXPANDED the Universe of the Franchise to Near Endless Possibilities with our Gods/Gardeners of Space Plot, which can expand Stories around the Engineers their Creators, their Creations not only in the Past/Present but also the Future and not Limited to the Corner of our Galaxy that the Alien Franchise has been set in...   The Engineers Plot, could allow for ANY kind of Story to be Told,  Not Limited to Ancient Earth, or even Planet 4 but with SUCH a Huge Scope to expand MANY Worlds, MANY Races.

The PROBLEM with all of these from this POST... is the Non-Connection or Inclusion of Xenomorphs... would a TV Series that is NOT about the Xenomorph actually take off or be Worthwhile?

BigDave I think it's hard to make a film about the engineers when they don't speak any English :) It would be great to learn about their ways, but narrated by a human or an android who happened to know them. Exactly what Ridley Scott did.

I think they have to explain special order 937.

What did Weyland-Yutani know about the xenomorph to make it a priority one, without any question? Did they receive previous reports about it? From David? From other space truckers who encountered it before Nostromo?

What path would they choose, the xenomorph as a bioweapon or a species of its own?

I would be delighted should they let Ridley Scott be involved in the project, at least as a producer.

BigDave I think there is some inconsistency with Aliens, which in my opinion is a dumb film.

We see in Alien that Weyland-Yutani activated the order 937 when informed about the xenomorph,  they must have found out about the derelict and the thousands of eggs from Ash if not from Dallas himself. Why then did they establish a mining colony right on LV426? Why not send first the badass marines to get at least one egg to their research lab?

Priority one. Insure return of organism for analysis. All other considerations secondary. Crew expendable.

That was special order 937.

What made Weyland-Yutani send the Ripley lead badass marines to wipe out the xenomorphs when capturing one alive was once a priority one, all other considerations secondary.

Why did James Cameron want to destroy the xenomorph? 

Is it me or it's very little to no excitement about the rumors of a tv series set in the Alien universe? 

Off... alien movies without aliens, mythology, AI, corporations intrigue.

I have another point - the return to the roots. Deep dark space, alien on colony/space station, colonial marines, horror/action. My dream - TV series about colony on alien-planet, like in AvP2 (game), but replace Predators on Engineers.

Maybe they should add some complexity to the xenomorph if it is a perfect organism. Not just a bug with a hive mind and a fat ant queen. It is humanoid, not insectoid, JC.

Well daliens you raise some good points....

A disappointment to a number of fans is the Emphasis on AI and David, and back ground regarding David and Walter....  but the thing is if people CONSIDER the potential of a AI Genie getting out the Box and the implications there after....   If AI that is controlled by David or Weyland starts to play a Larger Role behind the Scenes were Mankind are merely Pawns....   then this PLOT does help to give a plausible answers to those points you raised... well more plausible than some alternatives.

Lets have a look at some...

"What did Weyland-Yutani know about the xenomorph to make it a priority one, without any question? Did they receive previous reports about it? From David? From other space truckers who encountered it before Nostromo?"

The set up with the ADVENT would indeed show that the Company or Whoever his Olive Branch was sent out for, would know quite a bit about the Xenomorph and Davids experiments.

This set up along with Ridley Scotts comments on the Sequel, seems to show us that at least ONE Company/Human ship will arrive at Origae-6 and come into contact with Davids Xenomorph at some point... and i would ASSUME that during some event set between Alien Covenant and Alien the Company or Whoever is pulling the Strings or Whoever Ends up Pulling the Strings at some Point between Alien Covenant and Alien will take a GREAT interest in Davids Experiments but there has to maybe be a REASON why ONLY the Eggs on the Derelict are the only Option they are interested in and so Does something Happen that leaves only the Derelict as the ONLY source of the Xenomorph for the Weyland-Yutani Company.

Looking at the Space Jockey Event and Warning Signal... maybe the Engineers decided to Clean Up all Evidence/Avenues of the Bio-Logical Experiments which include Davids Experiments on Planet 4, Origae-6 and the Root to these Experiments from LV-223.  But the last part of this CLEAN UP operation, they may have decided to TAKE some of the Final Product (LV-426 Xenomorph) to be experimented on or kept as a Weapon to then Clear up Humanity but then the Space Jockey Infection Event Occurred!

Special Order 937 is likely to have originated in response to a Failure to Obtain any of Davids Work after the Company have attempted to investigate Davids ADVENT message and arrive at Avenues of Davids Experiments.  It is a Priority as the Derelict may be the only Avenue for Davids Creation or the LV-426 Xenomorph was the ONLY version they was interested in.

The Prequels have helped to Shed Light on ASH'S Admiration for the Xenomorph has he sees it as PERFECTION created by his OWN kind.

The Reason for WHY the Company never went back after 2122 and Special Order 937 is indeed a very good Mystery, If Mankind/Human Controlled W-Y wanted this Organism so bad, surely they would have wanted to continue?

A AI Controlled Company would be likely to Play a Waiting Game and Hide the Information/Location of the Derelict to then allow for a Colony to be Set Up and THEN at this point once the Colony is Set-Up, they have many Good Souls to then be used for the Xenomorph Creation that Synthetic's/AI may be very Proud of.

THIS could be another Attempt to Replicate what David may intend to do in Setting up Origae-6 and once the Colony is set up, then it provides a Outpost for those Good Souls to become Mother to Davids Creations and so a AI controlled Company could attempt to Re-try what David had attempted prior.

Regarding the Engineers...

Some Scenes could have to use Subtitles... but then we could go to Scenes between themselves where they Speak English (other Translations for other counties the TV show would be shown too).   So we would understand they are not speaking a Language we can understand...  just that the Translation is their for our convenience.

Regarding Interactions with Humans from Earth in Past/Present/Future we could be shown the Engineers use a Technology to Allow Humans to understand them...  some kind of Telepathy Technology or even have some Engineers be able to have this ability...   or even be able to use Humans by Transplanting such Knowledge to Understand them and act as a Chosen Medium/Translator

This could be explored in either a serial or a video game (Alien Isolation 2?) format, or if it was super-condensed into a two or three part mini-series, much like 1990's IT.

I think this would be the best way to go regardless of which facet is to be explored. However, a game format needs to be engaging and fun on top of a good story. A game could also isolate (rim-shot) non gamers who otherwise enjoy the franchise, so there would be that to consider. Many will never know the greatness of Isolation unless they watch a "let's play" on You Tube. A streaming miniseries sounds excellent.

Indeed a Hadleys Hope Outbreak done in the style of Alien Isolation Survivor Horror with a Good Cinematic Story could be another way to Answer some of the Untold Events of the Franchise.

Another Short on the Investigation of the Derelict post ALIEN is another one.. we had that Extra Mission 9 to Alien Isolation where a crew explore the Derelict was interesting but could have had a continuation... 

so a Short TV Series/Movie based on the Aftermath of that Mission 9 Beacon for Alien Isolation would be interesting.... 

This would also be a ideal Plot to follow for that 40th Anniversary Competition.

EDIT:  i have only played the Game Once until the part when you have to hide from those Humans who try to track you down and Shoot You... I was too busy looking out the Window, and got snuck up on from behind and SHOT lol

I have only seen the Mission 9 via watching it on Youtube...

So i do wonder if this Mission 9 actually ties to the Alien Isolation Plot and the First Xenomorph Contamination on the Sevastopol  so as i have not completed the game... i think it maybe does and so maybe makes a Short based on what happened after the Face Hugger in Mission 9 Derelict Beacon a bit pointless? who knows?

dk said, "A game could also isolate (rim-shot) non gamers who otherwise enjoy the franchise, so there would be that to consider.  Many will never know the greatness of Isolation."  

I own the game, but I stopped after the first Xeno kill.  It wasn't scary.  It was more artistic.  I don't mind that, but it just wasn't what I was expecting.  Plus, I was all hyped up on "The Last of Us" game.  I LOVE THAT GAME!

Back to Isolation though... I have a question.

When you're trying to run from the Xeno in the beginning, does the elevator work sometimes and other times it doesn't.  I died like 6 times because the elevator would never open its doors, that is until the 7th time or so.  So, is the game setup to where a player could die because the elevator doesn't work.  This would develop a "fear of death" for a moment or too.  So the elevator eventually ends up saving you once it opens, but it just takes multiple tries (and multiple deaths) to get further in the story.

Did anyone else have this issue?

dk said, "...unless they watch a "let's play" on You Tube."

I'm refraining from doing that because your comments and anothers on this website, I might one day actually put the time in and play.  That's the thing with games.  They could go on for months if you don't have a lot of time.

Honestly, I hope the Alien franchise doesn't solely try and make from video games.  I really hope we get more movies.

I Moon Girl and BigDave I played Isolation on PS3 and had no technical issues- just clumsy playing since I suck- but I got through it on novice! 

There is plenty of material to draw on from the game, but honestly, some just don't play games or can't navigate the controls. 

Isolation is rich with possibilities. Creative Assembly did their research and provided a labor of love. With AAA game costs, it is hard to imagine another game at that level. I did not read ROP but it sounds like enough meat is there. I agree with Gavin that a streaming series would be ideal. Sit down movies take too long imo. 

I still have Last of Us with the shrink wrap- I just don't have time yet to play it.

Hadley's Hope has some juice imo. Sorry if the embed doesn't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpAD0kI4fm8

For those whom have not seen this, there are many ways the franchise could go if thinking outside the box. Sit down theater movies seem over and done with imo. 

http://www.alien-covenant.com/topic/47453

Some interesting ideas/movies/shorts there.

I do think anything regarding the Xenomorph if covered too much has the potential to have the beast cooked....  I feel any TV Short or Mini-Series Movie (Like Stephen Kings IT) would have to concentrate on much more than the Xenomorphs.  It would have to maybe explore the Company Agenda/Conspiracy angle a bit more.

But there is a Market for Fans who would like to see a Star Ship Troopers Franchise approach... replace those Bugs with Xenomorphs (few different versions) and Aliens Colonial Marines and this Popcorn Shoot Em Up approach would make a number of people Happy.

@BigDave

"would make a number of people Happy."

And this really needs for a franchise.  Simple and classic story.

BigDave Agree the xeno could go to the back ground. Other facets are Engineers, WY Co and Androids pretty much. It would be great if someone funded a season to each topic and see what takes off, then maybe focusing on The One with elements of the other subjects. Financially it seems too be less of a risk than a full blown movie. So much could be explored and deeply developed in 6 45 minute episodes than one 100 minute movie and we wouldn't have to wait for years to see it. 

True or not, it seems interesting.

More about the Engineers could be interesting, more about WY could maybe work if we get some fleshed out things about them while remaining some mystery. Perhaps they can introduce some other life form like they did with the Engineers. I am no sure what that would be but it must be done well.

David as the SJ? LMAO! That would be lame

Hopefully we will get some more information from Fox or who ever is in charge of this. It seems more interesting than what Scott has in mind about the prequels. We’ll see I guess

“A big thanks to the Blomkamp's fans. “ - daliens

I would not blame them, I would blame Fox and Scott that made it about David. Had they not done AC then we would maybe not be in this situation. That was the big mistake that happened IMO. No more (mad) androids thank you very much (at least if they are like David but it could maybe work, look at the droids in Star Wars as an example but they should not be the main focus).

Where would we be able to see the series by the way?

Daliens: I think that it could work, it did in Prometheus but the lack of characters made it worse than it could have been. What I am saying is that it might not be impossible but the need to make better characters than we got in Prometheus.

Thoughts_Dreams

I have a feeling that if there will be a tv series set in the alien universe it will not be about engineers.

We are done with the engineers, otherwise Ridley Scott would have got his chance after Prometheus. 

Most probably a tv series would be like the new Predator film, something embarrassing for the grown-ups. Unless they let Ridley Scott have a word in it, as a producer at least. 

I think a TV Series would be Difficult if its only concerned with the Xenomorph...

More has to be fleshed out with the REASON for the Companies Pursuit of the Xenomorph, and we would have to consider the Origins. Which means exploring the Engineers in the Past or Present but give more reasons for WHY create the Xenomorph... Unless the CANON is now that David indeed does create the Xenomorph, and then more Background regarding WHY and AI has to be explored.

To do a Series about purely Humans coming across Xenomorphs on Space Stations, Space Ships or on Planets/Moons is something that has been Done to Death to be fair.

"I would be delighted should they let Ridley Scott be involved in the project, at least as a producer."

I agree daliens and this, to me, seems to be the likely scenario.

“Unless they let Ridley Scott have a word in it, as a producer at least.”

Maybe it could work but don’t let him affect the script or we will get another Alien Covenant. I know that this reply is late but what ever